Packing device for frangible material

ABSTRACT

A packing element fabricated from a single workpiece of corrugated or similar packaging material that has been cut and scored in a manner so that the workpiece may be folded into a slotted packing structure that includes at least two side sections, a top section, and a diagonal truss section, and which is adapted to receive frangible glass plates or the like within the slots defined therein and function to support, suspend and constrain the plates within an associated shipping or storage container.

United States Patent Reihm Nov. 25, 1975 1 1 PACKING DEVICE FOR FRANGIBLE 3.086.689 4/1963 Wicdcnmcier 229/14 6 MATERlAL 3.133.687 5/1964 Frcmion 229/14 c 3.414.124 12/1968 Lidgard 229/14 0 x Filed:

Richard S. Reihm, 19 Poplar Park, Pleasant Ridge. Mich. 48069 Jan. 22, 1973 Apple No.: 325,937

Inventor;

US. Cl 229/14 C; 206/448; 206/454 Int. Cl. B65D 5/40; B65D 85/48 Field of Search 229/14 C; 206/448, 449,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Lidgard 229/14 C Butz 229/14 C X Warwick 229/14 C Richardson 229/14 C X Primary Exunlinen-Stanley N. Gilreath Attorney- Agent, or Firm-Harness, Dickey & Pierce slots defined therein and function to support. suspend and constrain the plates within an associated shipping or storage container.

18 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet10f3 3,921,890

US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet2of3 3,921,890

U.S. Patent N0v.25, 1975 Sheet3of3 3,921,890

PACKING DEVICE FOR FRANGIBLE MATERIAL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, the present invention relates to the packaging of frangible materials of a sheet-like nature, such as sheets of glass or the like. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward a novel packing element for use in the shipment, storage and related handling of sheet-like materials which is adapted to function in supporting and suspending the material within the inner walls of an associated protective shipping or storage container.

The shipping, storage and related handling of frangible plates, such as plate glass or the like, requires extreme care. The reason for this is that the frangible material or plates must be held firmly, and yet at the same time, some controlled shock absorbing means must be provided to minimize the affect of shock occurring during the handling of the containers during normal shipping and storage. This is especially true with regard to vehicular Windshields and side and rear lites which are frequently of a relatively arcuate configuration and are subject to considerable handling as they are transported from the manufacturer to various warehouses, distributors, etc., and eventually to automobile dealers or other locations of vehicular maintenance and repair. While a myriad of packing devices have heretofore been proposed, one device that has experienced at least some commercial success is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,] 24, issued to E. J. Lidgard on Dec. 3, 1968. This device relates to an arrangement requiring a series of frangible plate gripping lock pads that are provided with an adhesive material such as two-sided masking tape, etc., which are adapted to be secured to selected edge portions of the frangible plates and are cooperable with rigid blocks or logs located within the associated packing or storage containers.

Notwithstanding the above, the patented device disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,124 has been found to be objectionable from a number of standpoints, primarily due to the cost of the lock pad elements and the problems which arise in properly aligning the same with the associated logs within the terial must be removed from the glass at additional cost. This design was also incapable of properly supporting the larger frangible plates in a manner so as to minimize attrition thereof.

The present invention is directed toward a new and improved packing device of the aforedescribed character but which overcomes the objectionable characteristics of prior known devices, particularly of the type shown in the aforementioned patent. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward a new and improved packing device for frangible plates, such as vehicular Windshields, side lites and the like, which obviates the need for the aforementioned lock pad elements and at the same time, provides a packing arrangement that functions in a highly economical manner in positively supporting and suspending frangible plates so as to effectively minimize damage thereof during shipment, storage or related handling.

It is, accordingly, a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved packing device of the above character which is adapted to function in positively restraining, supporting and suspending frangible sheet-like materials, particularly materials such as glass which are used as vehicle Windshields, side and rear lites.

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a new and improved packing device of the above character which may be easily and quickly assembled, and which reduces the need, now present in the industry, of carrying a large variety of dunnage materials in inventory.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved packing device which may be preassembled and thereby be maintained in inventory preparatory to the packing, storage or other handling of frangible sheet-like materials.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved packing device which utilizes a single piece of dunnage that may be employed in a universal fashion, without consideration of righthandedness or lefthandedness, or regardless whether the device is attached to the top, bottom, ends or sides of an associated container.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from .the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. -1 is an elevated perspective view of the die cut blank from which the packing device of the present invention may be assembled;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevated perspective view of a portion of the blank shown in FIG. 1, after an initial assembly operation has been performed;

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the packing device of the present invention after a subsequent assembly step hasbeen taken;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of a portion of the packing device of the present invention, as taken substantially along the line 4'4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the packing FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of the packing device of the present invention as shown in operative association with a typical shipping container, with the device being operatively secured to the overlap flaps of the container;

FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled shipping container with a pair of the packing devices of the present invention operatively mounted therein;

1 FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of a typical shipping container which is partially broken away to disclose a plurality of the packing devices of the present invention shown in their respective operative positions supporting or suspending a frangible plate in the form of a vehicular windshield or the like; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of a shipping container shown in FIG. 11 and discloses how the packing device of the present invention may be conveniently mounted within one corner thereof for operatively supporting a frangible plate or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As used herein, the terms vertical, horizontal, up, down, inner," outer," and the various derivatives thereof are used merely for purposes of clarity of description and are in no way intended to limit the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the packing device of the present invention is adapted to be fabricated of a generally rectangular-shaped section of a flat structural material, generally designated by the numeral 10. In a preferred construction of the present invention, the material consists of corrugated fiberboard, although various alternative materials will find very satisfactory application, such as cardboard, plastic or other materials which may be easily die cut and scored to provide for one portion of the material 10 being folded or otherwise deformed relative to another section thereof. The material 10 from which the packing device of the present invention is fabricated is shown as comprising a pair of laterally spaced parallel longitudinal side edges 12 and 14 and a pair of longitudinally spaced laterally extending side edges 16 and 18. The terms longitudinal and lateral, as used herein, are for purposes of clarity of description and are relative terms only. It is to be understood that any portion of the present invention described by or with said terms is in no way to be limited to any one particular configuration or orientation other than that defined in the appended claims.

The material 10, as best seen in FIG. 1, is shown as being formed with a pair of laterally inwardly extending slots 20 and 22 which are generally colinear and have a generally laterally extending score line 24 extending between the inner ends thereof. The term score line, as used herein, denotes an operation that occurs during the die stamping of the material 10 and which permits the portion of the material 10 on one side of the score line to be folded along the line to some predetermined degree relative to the portion of the material on the opposite side of the line, whereby to provide for a smooth uniform fold between the adjacent portions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Extending longitudinally from the inner ends of the slots 20, 22 at generally right angles to the score line 24 is a pair of longitudinally extending score lines 26 and 28 which define with the slots 20, 22, a pair of rectangularshaped support panel sections 30 and 32. The score lines 26, 28, along with the aforementioned score line 24 define an elongated diagonal truss section 34 which is substantially coextensive of the score line 24 and is generally laterally aligned with the support panel sections 30, 32, as illustrated.

Spaced longitudinally away from the slots 20, 22 is a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending slots 36 which have a pair of late rally disposed score lines 38 and extending parallel therebetween. The score lines 38, 40, along with the slots 36, define an inner floor section 42, with the score line 40 cooperating with another laterally extending score line 44 that is spaced longitudinally from the line 40 to define an inner vertical wall section 46. As shown, the laterally opposite ends of the inner floor section 42 and inner wall section 46 are delineated by the slots 36. The laterally extending score line 38 defines with the aforementioned lateral score line 24, an inner wall section 48 which is disposed interjacent the truss section 34 and the floor section 42. The laterally opposite ends of the inner wall section 48 are defined by longitudinally extending score lines 50 and 52 which cooperate with a pair of laterally extending slits or cuts 54 and 56 that are colinear with the score line 38 to define a pair of foldable inner end lock panel sections 58 and 60, respectively. The laterally outer ends of the sections 58, 60 are formed with generally hook-shaped lock portions 62 and 64 which function in a manner hereinafter to be described.

Spaced longitudinally from the slits 54, 56 is a pair of laterally extending score lines 66, 68 which intersect the ends of the slots 36 and define therewith a pair of mounting flap sections 70 and 72. Two pairs of laterally inwardly extending, longitudinally spaced slots 74, 76 and 78, are formed in the lateral side edges 12, 14 of the material 10 and define with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending score lines 82, 84, a pair of end flap sections 86 and 88. Extending laterally between the laterally inner ends of the slots 74, 78 and 76, 80 is a pair of longitudinally spaced, laterally extending score lines and 92, respectively, which cooperate with the score lines 82, 84 in defining an outer top section 94. The score line 90 is cooperable with the aforementioned score line 44 and defines a laterally extending outer wall section 96, the lateral ends of which are defined by longitudinally extending score lines 98 and 100 which respectively define outer end flap sections 102 and 104. The laterally inner ends of the slots 76, 80 intersect a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced score lines 106 and 108 which define with the slots 7 6, 80 and the lateral side edge 18 of the material 10, an outer wall section 110. The score lines 106 and 108 define with the slots 76, 80, a pair of end flap sections 112 and 114.

Disposed centrally of the outer wall section is a generally U-shaped slit 116 that defines a locking tab 118. The tab 118 is cooperable with a locking slot 120 which is formed centrally of the inner wall section 48 in a manner hereinafter to be described. The outer wall section 96 is formed with a pair of laterally spaced and aligned locking slots 122 and 124 which are generally longitudinally aligned with the score lines 50, 52 and are cooperable with the hook-shaped lock portions 62, 64, respectively, of the lock panel sections 58 and 60. Finally, a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced die cut panel receiving slots 126 and 128 are formed in the material 10 and extend longitudinally from the outer wall section 96 through the outer top section 94 into the outer wall section 110. The slots 126, 128 intersect the score lines 90 and 92, which intersections are formed with relief cuts 130 which function to relieve undue pressure on the frangible sheets which are inserted into and supported within the slots 126, 128, in a manner hereinafter to be described.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 2 through 7, assembly of the packing device of the present invention is initiated by folding the diagonal truss section 34 and support panels 30, 32 at the opposite ends thereof along the score line 24 to a position wherein the truss section 34 is arranged generally at right angles or perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portion of the material 10. Thereafter, the support panels 30, 32 are folded along the score lines 26, 28, respectively, to a position wherein they are generally coplanar of the truss section 34, i.e., are lying flat or contiguous thereagainst, as best seen in FIG. 2. Next, the inner vertical wall section 46 is folded along the score line 44 from a position in general coplanar relation with the outer wall section 96 to a position wherein the inner wall section is generally contiguously disposed with the underside of the wall section 96, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

After the inner vertical wall section 46 has thus been folded relative to the outer wall section 96, the outer top section 94 is folded along the score line 90 from a position in general coplanar relation with the outer wall section 96 to a configuration wherein the outer top section 94 is disposed at right angles to the section 96. Thereafter, the outer wall section 110 is folded along the score line 92 to a position wherein the section 110 is disposed at right angles to the outer top section 94. As best seen in FIG. 6, when the outer wall section 110 is thus folded, it is disposed adjacent the outer side of the inner wall section 48, while the outer top section 94 is disposed in spaced parallelism with respect to the inner floor section 42. In this configuration, the locking tab 118 will be disposed directly exteriorly of the locking slot 120 in the inner wall section 48, whereupon the outer end of the locking tab 118 may be inserted through the locking slot 120 to a position wherein the shoulders defined on the locking tab 118 lockingly engage the inner side of the wall section 48. The packing device of the present invention will now assume the configuration generally shown in FIG. 5. v

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the locking panel section 58 is disposed generally coplanar of the inner wall section 48 and is now folded along the score line 50 at right angles to a position wherein the panel section 58 has the lock portion 62 on the end thereof 'may thereafter be inserted through the slot 124, asabove described.

Following assembly of the inner end lock panel section 58 and 60, as above described, the end flap section 86 is now folded along the score line 82 to a position disposed at right angles to the outer top section 94, in which position the flap section 86 is folded over the lock panel section 58. Thereafter, the end flap section 112 is folded along the score line 106 at right angles to the outer wall section 110 and is thus folded over the end flap section 86. Finally, the outer end flap section 102, along with the mounting flap 70, is folded along the score line 98 to a position overlying the end flap sections 112 and 86, whereupon means in the form of a suitable staple S, adhesive or other fastening device may be used for fixedly securing the sections 86, 112 and 102 in their respective assembled positions. As-

sembly of the packing device of the present invention is completed by folding the end flap section 88 along the score line 84 at generally right angles to the outer top section 94, whereby the end flap section 88 covers the lock panel section 60. Thereafter, the end flap section 114 is folded along the score line 108 to a position generally perpendicular to the outer wall section 110 and the outer end flap section 104 along with the mounting flap 72 is folded along the score line to a position overlying both the sections 88 and 114, whereupon means, such as the aforesaid staple S or the like, may be used for securing the sections 88, 114 and 104 in their respective assembled positions as shown in FIG. 7. The packing device of the present invention is now essentially assembled and appears generally as depicted in FIG. 7 with the mounting flaps 70, 72 depending downwardly from the opposite ends thereof and the plate receiving slots 126 and 128 facing upwardly and extending partially downwardly along the opposite sides of the device.

It will be appreciated, of course, that the plate receiving slots 126, 128 are dimensionally dependent upon the thickness of the packaged frangible sheet-like material or plates which are to be supported therein, which plates in the presently contemplated mode of the present inventioncould be curved glass sheets such as are used for automobile Windshields. While the packing device hereinabove described is shown as being provided with two plate receiving slots 126, 128, it will be noted that a greater or lesser number of slots of an identical or different configuration could be incorporated in any specific application, depending upon the nature and specifications of any particular type or size of frangible plates. Likewise, it will be appreciated that thespecific configuration of the slots 126, 128 may be oriented in different positions relative to the packing device, for example, the slots 126, 128 could be located at a preselected angle to the longitudinal axis of the device in accordance with the particular characteristics of any specified frangible plates. The primary consider: ation is, of course, that the slots 126, 128 are mutually compatible with the curvature, i.e., shape, of the associated frangible plates when the same are placed within the slots, and the particular size, number and shape of the slots shown herein is merely for purposes of disclosing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to in any way limit the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Referring nowto FIGS. 8 through 1 1, a typical application of the packing device of the present invention is shown wherein at least one automobile windshield, generally designated by the letter W, is shown packaged within a suitable container. More particularly, the windshield W is shown in operative association with a plurality of the packing devices of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 132. The devices 132 are associated with a typical shipping or storage container 134 comprising a pair of spaced sides 136, 138 and ends 140, 142. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the container 134 is typically fabricated or corrugated fiberboard, with the upper end thereof being provided with a pair of foldable side flaps 144 hingedly connected to the uppermost portions of the sides 136, 138 and the ends of the container 140, 142 being provided with foldable end flaps 146. Similarly, the lower end of the container 134 is provided with side flaps 148 and with end flaps 150. The container 134 is depicted in its knocked down or flat state; that is to say, not yet assembled, with its side walls 136, 138 slightly separated so as to allow insertion of two of the packing devices 132 of the present invention, as best seen in FIG. 8. In order to provide for the assembly of the devices 132, one of the mounting flaps 70, 72 of two of the devices is folded along its respective score line 66 or 68 to a position in generally coplanar relation with the underside of the two devices 132. The particular flap 70 or 72 which is thus folded is the one which is located closest to the ajar opening of the container 134, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The devices 132 are then inserted under the over flap or uppermost of the flap 148 to a position wherein the terminal edge thereof engages the other of the mounting flaps 70 or 72 of the devices 132. Means-in the form of suitable staples S or the like are then utilized to secure the flap 148 to the folded mounting flaps 70 or 72 of the devices 132. Thereafter, the other of the mounting flaps 70 or 72 is folded downwardly along its respective score line to a position in overlying relation with the flap 148, whereupon other staples S or the like are utilized in securing the said mounting flaps 70 or 72 to the flap 148. After both of the packing devices 132 have been assembled to the flap 148, the container 134 is turned upside down to the position in FIG. 9 and the ends 150 and the other of the side flap 148 are folded to their operative position whereupon the container 134 will assume a generally parallel piped configuration, as illustrated. Suitable means such as staples S or the like may then be utilized for operatively securing the flaps 148, 150 in their respective operative positions. In addition, each of the packing devices 132 is further fastened to the side walls 136, 138 of the container 134 by means of suitable side staples S, as best illustrated in FIG. 10, whereby to further increase the stability of the packing devices 132 within the container 134.

The container 134 is thereafter inverted to a position wherein the packing devices 132 face upwardly and the plate receiving slots 128 are adapted to receive the lower edge of the windshield W or other suitable frangible type material which is to be placed interiorly of the container 134. The windshield W is then lowered into the container 134 and suitably aligned with the slots 128 whereupon the lower edge of the windshield W is received within the slots 128.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper edge of the windshield W may, if desired, be operatively secured in position within the container 134 by means of two (or more) additional packing devices 132 of the present invention. More particularly, it will be seen that the upper end flaps 146 of the container 134 are folded interiorly of the container 134. The packing devices 132 are in an inverted configuration with respect to the aforementioned devices 132 located within the lower end of the container 134, with the result that the slots 126, 128 face downwardly and are adapted to receive the upper edge of the windshield W. In this position, the mounting flaps 70, 72 of the devices 132 extend upwardly and are adapted to be folded along their respective score lines 66, 68 over an upwardly turned end portion 152 of the upper end flaps 146 of the container 134. Means in the form of suitable staples S or like fastening elements are preferably utilized to operatively secure the mounting flaps 70, 72 to the end portion 152 of the flaps 146 and additional staples S or similar fastening means may be fastened through the outer vertical side walls 136, 138 of the container 134 to operatively secure the uppermost of the devices 132. The

upper flaps 144 may thereafter be folded to their respective closed positions and fastened in place in any manner suitable to such containers, whereupon the windshield W will be positively retained and suspended in place within the container 134.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a novel packing device for use in storing, shipping or other handling of frangible plate-like materials. The packing device of the present invention will be seen as being of an extremely compact construction that is fabricated of a single piece of dunnage so as to minimize to the extreme the space or volume occupied thereby, as well as simplifying assembly and installation thereof. A particular feature of the present invention resides in the provision of the diagonal truss section which, upon assembly of the device, will be seen to extend diagonally within the device so as to effectively carry the loading applied to the device when frangible plates or the like have been placed within the plate receiving slots 126, 128 thereof. An additional feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the frangible plates supported therein will be firmly retained in place, yet the construction of the packing device allows for the controlled absorption of any shock which may be imparted via the plates to the device, as frequently occurs through the handling, shipping or storage of said plates. Accordingly, damage to the plates occurring during such handling will be minimized to the extreme. Yet another feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the packing devices may be utilized in shipping and storage of frangible plates without consideration of righthandedness or lefthandedness of the devices, whereby to provide for universality of application and minimization of inventory thereof. Additionally, it will be appreciated that by virtue of the simple design of the packing device of the present invention, the same may be economically manufactured and yet will have a long and effective operational life.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment illustrated herein is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A one-piece packing device for use in packing frangible sheet-like materials, comprising,

a pair of spaced apart side wall sections,

a top section extending between said side wall sections and defining at least one recessed area adapted to receive an edge portion of a frangible plate or the like,

an intermediate section disposed interiorly of said top section and extending between said side sections,

said intermediate section being spaced from said top section and located directly below said recessed area, and

a truss section extending generally diagonally between said side wall sections.

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes means for operatively securing said sections to one another to provide a relatively rigid packing device.

3. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein all of said sections are integrally connected to one another and consist of portions of a generally flat foldable mate rial having the sections thereof delineated in part by score lines formed in the material.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises end flap sections integrally connected to selected of said side wall sections and adapted to be secured in a manner so as to provide a relatively rigid frangible plate supporting structure. I

5. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said recessed area comprises a slot formed in said top section and at least partially in said side wall sections, said slot extending generally transversely of the longitudinal axis of said packing device.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a relatively rigid yet deformable material.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a single sheet of corrugated fiber board.

8. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal edges of said top section are integrally connected to the adjacent edges of said side wall sections, wherein said intermediate section is disposed in spaced parallelism and interiorly of said top section, and wherein said truss section extends generally diagonally between one edge of one of said side wall sections and the intersection of said intermediate section with the other of said side wall sections.

9. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said side wall sections comprise a pair of outer wall sections and a pair of inner wall sections, wherein said top section extends between and is integrally connected to said pair of outer wall sections and wherein said intermediate section extends between and is integrally con- .nected to said pair of inner wall sections, and wherein rigid configuration, said means including end flap means integrally connected to said top and side wall sections and ancillary fastening means securing said, 'end flap means together.

11. The invention as set forth in claim 9 which includes at least one tab and tab receiving recess formed in selected of said side wall and top sections for fixedly securing said sections in a relatively rigid structural configuration.

12. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said top section and the adjacent portions of said outer side wall sections are formed with said recessed area which is in the form of a plate edge receiving recess.

13. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein the intersection of said top section and said outer wall sections are relieved adjacent said recess.

14. The invention as set forth in claim 8 wherein said side wall sections comprise a pair of outer wall sections and a pair of inner wall sections, wherein said top section extends between and is integrally connected to' said pair of outer wall sections and wherein said inter.- mediate section extends between and is integrally connected to said pair of inner wall sections, and wherein said truss section extends between one edge of one of said inner wall sections and the intersection of said intermediate section and one of said pair of inner wall sections.

15. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a single sheet of corrugated fiber board.

16. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a single sheet of corrugated fiber board material, said material being fonned with a plurality of longitudinally spaced laterally extending score lines defining from one end of the material to the other: said truss section, one of said inner wall sections, said intermediate section, the other of said inner wall sections, one of said outer wall sections, said top section, and the other of said outer wall sections; said device including a plurality of end flap S6C- tions adapted to be folded into overlying relationship upon assembly of said first mentioned sections and be secured with ancillary fastening means for retaining said sections in a preselected structural configuration.

17. The invention as set forth in claim 16 wherein I said outer wallsections and said top section are formed with an elongated longitudinally extending slot constituting said recessed area and adapted to form a frangible'plate edge upon assembly of the device.

18. The invention as set forth in claim 16 which includes at least one hook-shaped lock portion integrally connected to one of said sections and a slot formed in' another of said sections adapted to nestingly receive said hook-shaped portion for fixedly securing said de- 

1. A one-piece packing device for use in packing frangible sheet-like materials, comprising, a pair of spaced apart side wall sections, a top section extending between said side wall sections and defining at least one recessed area adapted to receive an edge portion of a frangible plate or the like, an intermediate section disposed interiorly of said top section and extending between said side sections, said intermediate section being spaced from said top section and located directly below said recessed area, and a truss section extending generally diagonally between said side wall sections.
 2. The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes means for operatively securing said sections to one another to provide a relatively rigid packing device.
 3. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein all of said sections are integrally connected to one another and consist of portions of a generally flat foldable material having the sections thereof delineated in part by score lines formed in the material.
 4. The invention as set forth in claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises end flap sections integrally connected to selected of said side wall sections and adapted to be secured in a manner so as to provide a relatively rigid frangible plate supporting structure.
 5. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said recessed area comprises a slot formed in said top section and at least partially in said side wall sections, said slot extending generally transversely of the longitudinal axis of said packing device.
 6. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a relatively rigid yet deformable material.
 7. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a single sheet of corrugated fiber board.
 8. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal edges of said top section are integrally connected to the adjacent edges of said side wall sections, wherein said intermediate section is disposed in spaced parallelism and interiorly of said top section, and wherein said truss section extends generally diagonally between one edge of one of said side wall sections and the intersection of said intermediate section with the other of said side wall sections.
 9. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said side wall sections comprise a pair of outer wall sections and a pair of inner wall sections, wherein said top section extends between and is integrally connected to said pair of outer wall sections and wherein said intermediate section extends between and is integrally connected to said pair of inner wall sections, and wherein said truss section extends between one edge of one of said inner wall sections and the intersection of said intermediate section and one of said pair of inner wall sections.
 10. The invention as set forth in claim 9 which includes means for securing said device in a relatively rigid configuration, said means including end flap means integrally connected to said top and side wall sections and ancillary fastening means securing said end flap means together.
 11. The invention as set forth in claim 9 which includes at least one tab and tab receiving recess formed in selected of said side wall and top sections for fixedly securing said sections in a relatively rigid structural configuration.
 12. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said top section and the adjacent portions of said outer side wall sections are formed with said recessed area which is in the form of a plate edge receiving recess.
 13. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein the intersection of said top section and said outer wall sections are relieved adjacent said recess.
 14. The iNvention as set forth in claim 8 wherein said side wall sections comprise a pair of outer wall sections and a pair of inner wall sections, wherein said top section extends between and is integrally connected to said pair of outer wall sections and wherein said intermediate section extends between and is integrally connected to said pair of inner wall sections, and wherein said truss section extends between one edge of one of said inner wall sections and the intersection of said intermediate section and one of said pair of inner wall sections.
 15. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a single sheet of corrugated fiber board.
 16. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said packing device is fabricated of a single sheet of corrugated fiber board material, said material being formed with a plurality of longitudinally spaced laterally extending score lines defining from one end of the material to the other: said truss section, one of said inner wall sections, said intermediate section, the other of said inner wall sections, one of said outer wall sections, said top section, and the other of said outer wall sections; said device including a plurality of end flap sections adapted to be folded into overlying relationship upon assembly of said first mentioned sections and be secured with ancillary fastening means for retaining said sections in a preselected structural configuration.
 17. The invention as set forth in claim 16 wherein said outer wall sections and said top section are formed with an elongated longitudinally extending slot constituting said recessed area and adapted to form a frangible plate edge upon assembly of the device.
 18. The invention as set forth in claim 16 which includes at least one hook-shaped lock portion integrally connected to one of said sections and a slot formed in another of said sections adapted to nestingly receive said hook-shaped portion for fixedly securing said device in a preselected structural configuration. 